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PNP basketball men's team with FESSAP and BAP officials at Nan'an City Stadium together with Nan'an City Government Official photo taken on October 23, 2016. Photo by: Gerardo Villota

October 28, 2016 Zheng Cheng-Gong Cup: Mission accomplished.

The Philippine National Police basketball team recently took part in the 9th Zheng Cheng-Gong Cup international men’s basketball competitions in the bustling and booming city of Nan’an, Fujian province in the People’s Republic of China.

More than the results on the floor, the PNP Defenders played the role of the ambassadors of goodwill to the hilt, earning raves from their co-players from seven other teams from Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the host country.

“The players adhered to fair play and sportsmanship throughout the five-day tournament and this is a pleasant development in international basketball,” said Thailand’s Hi-Tech team manager Piyapong Piroon. “Win or lose, they never resorted to foul play.

Along the way, the PNP squad also fostered friendship and camaraderie among its peers and even to the local police force. Many more were awed by the popularity of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who had just come from a state visit to Beijing together with a business delegation.

The local organizers were much thankful of Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) Secretary General Graham C. Lim, who was instrumental in bringing in club teams from Korea (Enerskin), Malaysia (all-star selection), Thailand Basketball League (TBL) champs Hi-Tech and the PNP Defenders.

Other teams that saw action in the 9th edition of the Zheng Chenggong Cup were Taiwan’s Fubon Braves, which featured Brooklyn Nets playmaker Jeremy Lin’s younger brother Joseph Shu-Wei Lin and American import Liam Paul McMorrow, and Kin Men Kaoliang, which was bannered by former pro-import Eugene Phelps; Singapore’s Tong Whye Physical Association, which had four Filipinos on its roster led by the Philippines’ Development League veteran and University of the East product Paul Christian Zamar, John Michael Noble Dagatan, Michael Gierald Parala Gomez and Ramsie Cinco Da Elvir; and the host Nan’an selection.

In the end, the one-game finals featured a pair of unbeaten teams from Taiwan.The Fubon Braves broke away from a close game with a 14-0 blast bridging the third and fourth quarters to erase a 55-50 deficit and moved ahead for good, 64-55, early in the fourth frame.

The tree-like McMorrow paced the 5-0 Braves with 26 points. He was backed up by Wen Cheng Tsai’s 19 markers. Lin contributed eight points.Phelps, who suited up for Phoenix Petroleum in the recently-concluded PBA Governors’ Cup, netted 30 points in a losing cause.

In the battle for third place, Nan’an, which topped the 8th Zheng Cheng-Gong Cup, whipped Korea’s Enerskin, 107-81.

Zamar, a son of former national team coach Boysie Zamar who last played for Cafe France in the PBA D-League, produced the tournament’s single-game individual high with 40 points in seventh-place Singapore’s 93-91 double-overtime loss to Korea’s Enerskin. (gcl)

PNP Team received a outstanding trophy for fair play during the tournament.

PNP Basketball Team arrival at Xiamen International Airport on October 21, 2016 via Cebu Pacific Air.

Members of the PTV-4 sportscasters, Haiji Caamino, Dennis Principe, Meg Sioson. Henry and Weng Liao, posts for a souvenir photo with FISU Secretary General Eric Saintrond and FESSAP Vice President Christian Tan.

At Peoples Television Network (PTV- 4) , Mr. Hajji Caamino (left) who interview Eric Saintrind (center) and Chirstian Tan. Not in photo of the other hosts are Dennis Principe and Meg Sioson. Photo by: Rey Nillama.

FISU, FESSAP CEMENT PARTNERSHIP“The FESSAP (Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines) is doing a fantastic job in promoting university sports in the Philippines.”

With those words from International University Sports Federation (FISU) secretary general Eric Saintrond, the partnership between the FISU and FESSAP has been further strengthened.The Belgium-born Saintrond was in Manila last September 6-9 to check out on the FESSAP’s preparations for the World University Cycling Championship to be hosted by Tagaytay City in March next year.Saintrond’s four-day Manila visit, his first to the Philippines, also was to explore more projects for the Philippines, particularly the FESSAP, which is the sole university sports federation in the country that has been recognized by the FISU since 2009.

“My visit here is to explore more projects for the Philippines, projects for the FESSAP, for university sports and for all the student communities in the Philippines,” said Saintrond during a 17-minute “live” interview by PTV Sports over national television last September 7.Saintrond also said the FISU is already planning another project for the FESSAP, possibly world university golf in 2018, according to Saintrond. “The dream would be to organize a major multi-sports event, which is the Universiade (in 2019), in the Philippines, which is another project we want to work on.”The FISU was established in 1949 and counts more than 170 countries as members to date. It was recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1961 as the sole organization running university sports in the world.The FISU organizes the Summer Universiade and Winter Universiade biennially during odd years. The Universiade, which is also billed as the World University Games, has attracted prominent university athletes from all over the world, including those from the United States, People’s Republic of China and the Russian Republic.

The FISU also organizes World University Championships for the different sports.The FESSAP has sent athletes to the past three editions of the Summer Universiade and the country has snared a gold medal and a silver medal during the time.In the 2009 games in Shenzhen, China, youthful Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison brought home a silver in men’s taekwondo. Two years later, in Kazan, Russia, the Philippines captured its first ever gold in Universiade history by way of Grandmaster Wesley So in men’s chess.

Filipino athletes also saw action in the 28th Universiade in Gwangju City, South Korea last July.The next Summer Universiade will be hosted by Chinese-Taipei in 2017.

Macapagal, an outstanding shooter during his heyday who represented the national colors during the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics, was an excellent sports leader who would have been the best Philippine Olympic Committee the country ever had if fate had been more kind.

I personally campaigned for Art Macapagal during the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) presidential elections in November of 2008 where the son of the former Philippine president lost by a close vote of 21-19 against the overstaying incumbent. The last minute turnaround 2 votes to the other side were my close friends who later regrets for what they did to us.

Art, as he was known to his close friends, saw action in the pistol event during the 1972 Munich Olympics and 1976 Montreal Olympics.Art is the eldest son of former president Diosdado Macapagal and half brother of former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

It was a sad day for Philippine sports when Art finally crossed the Great Beyond. He came at a time when the country was looking not only for a legitimate sports leader that ruled without fear nor favor and would not decide on matters on the basis of political patronage.

Art would have run the POC in a democratic way and certainly his brand of leadership would not have divided Philippine sports into bits and pieces by way of taking over the leadership – through his henchmen – the various National Sports Association (NSA) entities that dared to go against his wishes, let alone caprice.

Art would have been a unifying POC president who would think of the greater good instead of protecting his own interests and playing politics.

Philippine sports is much poorer today with the demise of Art Macapagal.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and relatives that Art left behind. May the God Almighty grant him eternal peace!

Angel Ngu (2nd from right), FFCCCII newly elected president is shown a special recognition award from Senator Antonio Trillanes for his dedication in support to FESSAP projects headed by David Ong (2nd from left), FESSAP president with FESSAP deputy secretary general, Col. Ariel Querubin, a veteran soldier and war hero with the most distinguished Medal of Valor award.

FESSAP Special recognition award given to Mr. Angel Ngu during the dinner reception hosted by FESSAP President David U. Ong.

ANGEL NGU INTERVIEW (April 17, 2015)Engaging actively in sports activities is essential to a healthy and robust life.

Thus declared Angel Ngu, the President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. who has been named by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) as the Deputy Head of the Philippine Delegation to the 28th Summer Universiade in Gwangju City, South Korea in July this year.

The radiant-looking, 67-year-old Ngu has been into soccer since he was 10 and a student at Chiang Kai Shek College. By 14, he was already into competitive football.

“It was my dad who influenced me to take up football,” said the Manila-born Ngu, who also headed the Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation from 2009-11. “My father also played football during his prime and I often tagged along and joined him in the games.”

His fascination with soccer continued even when he attended the University of the East during the mid-1960s. “I was a member of the school team and played my hearts out every time we set foot on the football field and played against teams from other big schools.”

After college, he decided to form the Min-U Football Club (Friends of Manila). Together with his close friends, they would barnstorm the country for friendly matches. They would also showcase their wares overseas. A favorite destination was Taiwan, where their age-group counterparts would welcome them with open arms.

In 1989, Ngu also organized an international football tournament featuring athletes age 40 or older. The inaugural competitions were held in Manila with teams from Taiwan, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and the host country.

Among his veteran teammates at the time were soccer legends Anastacio Co and Bert Honasan, a brother of Senator Greg Honasan.

“I was so proud of the tournament’s success and more so because we were able to bring together teams from Taiwan and China at a time when the political atmosphere between the two countries was a bit frosty,” recalled Ngu.

The international tournament, which is called the Evergreen Cup, has since attracted teams from United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Ngu noted the revival of football in the Philippines when the Azkals entered our national conscience once again in the 2000s due to the presence of Filipino-foreigners with brute physique but matinee idol-like good looks on the team.

“The Azkals have brought back the enthusiasm that the Filipinos had shown for the sport during the 1960s and 1970s,” said Ngu.Ngu is looking forward to his role as the Deputy Head of Delegation for the Philippine national team that will participate in the Gwangju Universiade.

His advice to the university athletes: “Try your best to excel for the Philippine flag. No matter what sport you engage in, do your best. If we happen to win any medal, then that will be even better.”

The Philippines won a silver medal during the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade courtesy of Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison in men’s taekwondo.

Two years later, in Kazan, Russia, the country snared a gold in men’s chess when Wesley So beat a former juniors world champion from Armenia in a playoff to top an elite group of woodpushers that included young grandmasters from around the world.

Ngu is into his late 60s but until now, he still regularly plays the game of football.

EverySunday, he and his friends troop to the Xavier School football field in Greenhills, San Juan City to play against teams from their age group and even those from the younger generation.

For Angel Ngu, old footballers do not die … they just continue to play the game.

The South Korean “Popera” star, Lim Hyung-joo will be one of the new Universiade Gwangju 2015 Promotional Ambassadors. Along with Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, Lim Hyung-joo has popularized the popera genre, a crossover genre combining elements of pop music and classical opera, all over the world.Lim Hyung-joo will be appointed as a promotional ambassador on December 10th at Gwangju City Hall.The Korean popera singer was offered the position not only due to his fame and voice but also his consistent philanthropic work which fits the Universiade Gwangju 2015 objective to live up to the value of peace and humanity.In 1998, Lim surprised the music scene releasing his first solo album when he was 12 years old. He has since performed in many prestigious concert halls around the world, including the New York Carnegie Hall. He has recently dedicated his song, A Thousand Winds, to the passengers of the Sewol ferry disaster which took over 290 lives this April.Along with his fellow Universiade Ambassadors, K-Pop star Suzy (Miss A), Olympic sports stars, Ki Bo-bae (Archery), Son Yeonjae (Rhythmic Gymnastics), Yahng Hak-seon (Artistic Gymnastics), and Choi- Eun-sook (Fencing) are actively working to promote Universiade Gwangju 2015.

COSETENG IS PH FLAGBEARER IN GWANGJU UNIVERSIADEBy: Graham C. LimThe Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) formally designated former senator Anna Dominique (Nikki) Coseteng as the Philippine flag-bearer to the opening ceremony of the 28th Summer Universiade in Gwangju City, Korea during turnover ceremonies held last February 27 at the National Press Club building in Intramuros, Manila.“I am honored to be named by the FESSAP Board as the country’s flag-bearer to the Gwangju Universiade,” said the 62-year-old Coseteng, the daughter of founding Philippine Basketball Association president (the late) Emerson Coseteng and former owner and team manager of trailblazing PBA franchise Mariwasa/Noritake/Honda/Finance/Galerie Dominique, as she received the Philippine flag from her predecessor retired Colonel Ariel Querubin, a bodybuilding advocate who carried the country’s colors during the opening rites of the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russian Federation.“I humbly accept the designation and hope to be able to inspire leadership among our local university athletes that will compete in the so-called Olympics of University Sports around the world.”David Ong, the FESSAP president, is elated over Coseteng’s designation, saying that “Nikki is an excellent choice for the position, having been a strong advocate of Filipino youth sports and activism through her involvement with Diliman Preparatory School.”Senator Antonio Trillianes IV is the Philippine Head of Delegation to the Gwangju Universiade, which runs from July 3-14 this year. Deputy Head of Delegation is Angel Ngu, the Executive Vice President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII).Coseteng attended St. Paul’s College, Maryknoll (now Miriam) College and St. Maur’s Convent in England during her early academic years and then enrolled at the Notre Dame College of California in the U.S. and the University of the Philippines in college.She has been running the Diliman Educational Corporation, which operates the Diliman Preparatory School and the Diliman Computer Technology Institute in Quezon City, since December 2006. The DPS has had a strong academic and sports program under Coseteng, the school’s president and Chief Executive Officer.Coseteng has actively supported the Philippine Swimming League, which is affiliated with the FESSAP, in the past several years and is no stranger to the biennial Universiade activities.*She attended the Summer Universiade spectacles in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China in 2011 and in Kazan in 2013.The Philippines brought home a silver medal during the 2011 Universiade courtesy of Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison in men’s taekwondo.Two years later, in Kazan, the country captured a gold in men’s chess when Wesley So beat a former world juniors champion from Armenia in a playoff to top an elite cast of woodpushers that included young grandmasters from around the world.Also in attendance during the flag turnover ceremony are FESSAP Board chair Alvin Tai Lian, FESSAP executive vice president Robert Milton Calo, Tisha Abundo, Roel Natividad, Jeane Monteverde, Megaworld's Danilo Madlansacay, Park Hyun Mo of the Filipino Korea Ciltural Foundation, Korean Philippine Tourism head Park In Suk.The Philippine participation in the Gwangju Universiade is supported by San Miguel Corporation,Bestank, H2O Technology Corporation, Megaworld Properties Corporation and Agri Nurture Inc.The FESSAP is the country’s lone university sports federation that is officially recognized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), which organizes the Summer Universiade and Winter Universiade every two years on an alternate basis.The FESSAP, which is also recognized by the country’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED), has been a regular FISU member since 2009.The first Universiade, an international multi-sport event organized for university athletes, was held in Turin, Italy in 1959. It is also known as the World University Games.(gcl)

Engaging actively in sports activities is essential to a healthy and robust life.

Thus declaredAngel Ngu, the Executive Vice President of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) who has been named by theFederation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) as the Deputy Head of the Philippine Delegation to the 28th Summer Universiade in Gwangju City, South Korea in July this year.

The radiant-looking, 67-year-old Ngu has been into soccer since he was 10 and a student at Chiang Kai Shek College. By 14, he was already into competitive football.

“It was my dad who influenced me to take up football,” said the Manila-born Ngu, who also headed the Filipino-Chinese Amateur Athletic Federation from 2009-11. “My father also played football during his prime and I often tagged along and joined him in the games.”

His fascination with soccer continued even when he attended the University of the East during the mid-1960s. “I was a member of the school team and played my hearts out every time we set foot on the football field and played against teams from other big schools.”

After college, he decided to form the Min-U Football Club (Friends of Manila). Together with his close friends, they would barnstorm the country for friendly matches. They would also showcase their wares overseas. A favorite destination was Taiwan, where their age-group counterparts would welcome them with open arms.

In 1989, Ngu also organized an international football tournament featuring athletes age 40 or older. The inaugural competitions were held in Manila with teams from Taiwan, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and the host country.

Among his veteran teammates at the time were soccer legends Anastacio Co and Bert Honasan, a brother of Senator Greg Honasan.

“I was so proud of the tournament’s success and more so because we were able to bring together teams from Taiwan and China at a time when the political atmosphere between the two countries was a bit frosty,” recalled Ngu.

The international tournament, which is called the Evergreen Cup, has since attracted teams from United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Ngu noted the revival of football in the Philippines when the Azkals entered our national conscience once again in the 2000s due to the presence of Filipino-foreigners with brute physique but matinee idol-like good looks on the team.

“The Azkals have brought back the enthusiasm that the Filipinos had shown for the sport during the 1960s and 1970s,” said Ngu.Ngu is looking forward to his role as the Deputy Head of Delegation for the Philippine national team that will participate in the Gwangju Universiade.

His advice to the university athletes: “Try your best to excel for the Philippine flag. No matter what sport you engage in, do your best. If we happen to win any medal, then that will be even better.”

The Philippines won a silver medal during the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade courtesy of Samuel Thomas Harper Morrison in men’s taekwondo.

Two years later, in Kazan, Russia, the country snared a gold in men’s chess when Wesley So beat a former juniors world champion from Armenia in a playoff to top an elite group of woodpushers that included young grandmasters from around the world.

Ngu is into his late 60s but until now, he still regularly plays the game of football.

EverySunday, he and his friends troop to the Xavier School football field in Greenhills, San Juan City to play against teams from their age group and even those from the younger generation.

For Ngu, old footballers do not die … they just continue to play the game. (gcl)

Manila Times - Former senator Anna Dominique "Nikki" Coseteng has been named the country’s flag bearer in the opening ceremonies of the prestigious 2015 Summer World University Games scheduled on July 3 to 14 in Gwangju, South Korea.“It’s a great honor to have been chosen to be the flag bearer for the Philippine participants and delegates to the very prestigious Universiade 2015. As recognition for my humble contribution and crusade to democratize Philippine sports, I pray that this year and in the coming years, no athlete will ever be discriminated against and barred from participating in the Universiade by their coaches, and colleges and universities like what we’ve experienced in 2013,” said Coseteng.The World University Games—the biggest sporting event for student-athletes—will be participated by more that 170 countries in 21 disciplines.“I look forward to having open tryouts. Meaning, open to all qualified athletes without discrimination. I hope to live to see the day when we are able to put an end to all elements contributing to the death rather than grassroot development and motivation and support rather than stagnation and destruction of athletes in the Philippines,” stressed Coseteng.The Philippine Swimming League (PSL) will send the biggest delegation to give opportunities to young and talented swimmers to experience a world-class competition, according to PSL president Susan Papa.“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we want them to experience this whole thing, learn from it and share it to their families, friends and fellow athletes,” said Papa.The Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) appointed Coseteng as the flag bearer “for her courageous fight against corruption in Philippine sports and unequivocal support to the Filipino youth.”A simple turnover ceremony of the Philippine Flag will be held on February 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the National Press Club building in Intramuros, Manila.It will be headed by Col. Ariel Querubin, who was the flag bearer for the Philippine delegation during the 2013 edition held in Kazan, Russia.David Ong, the FESSAP president, will announce the designation of the Philippine Flag bearer along with Philippines’ Head of Delegation Sen. Antonio Trillanes, and Deputy Angel Ngu, the Executive Vice President of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc.